Comparison of the removal of intracanal medicaments used in regenerative endodontics from root canal system using needle, ultrasonic, sonic, and laser-activated irrigation systems.

This study aimed to compare the syringe-needle irrigation (SNI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), EDDY, and shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) techniques regarding calcium hydroxide and double antibiotic paste removal from the root canal in regenerative endodontic treatments. Eighty single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and enlarged up to #100 to stimulate the immature tooth model. Root canals were irrigated with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite followed by saline solution according to the regenerative endodontic treatment protocol. Dressed teeth were divided into 2 main groups regarding the used intracanal medicaments. Calcium hydroxide and double antibiotic paste were introduced to the canals, and teeth were stored for 3 weeks. Each medicament group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the activation techniques. Medicaments were removed using a 17% EDTA solution. Teeth were split longitudinally into two parts. The remaining medicaments were evaluated under a stereo microscope with a scoring system. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Regardless of the used irrigation activation systems, there was no statistically significant difference between the removal of the CH and DAP from the root canal (P>0.05). While SWEEPS had the highest ability regarding the removal of intracanal medicaments, syringe-needle irrigation had the lowest (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between PUI and EDDY (P>0.05). Complete removal of intracanal medicaments could not be achieved with any techniques. SWEEPS technology was more effective in removing intracanal medicaments in regenerative endodontic treatments compared to the sonic and ultrasonic irrigation activation systems.

Is SWEEPS better than PUI in reducing intracanal bacteria and inflammation in cases of apical periodontitis?

To evaluate the efficacy of SWEEPS mode of the Er: YAG laser(SL) and passive ultrasonic irrigation(PUI) in the eradication of microorganisms and in the inflammation detection by IL-1ß. Thirty patients with chronic apical periodontitis(AP) were allocated into two groups: Group SL-SWEEPS laser activated irrigation(n = 15) and Group PUI-passive ultrasonic irrigation(n = 15). Bacteriological samples were taken before(S1) and after chemomechanical preparation(S2), and then after final irrigation activation(S3). The levels of total bacteria and Streptococci were measured by means of PCR. Blood samples were collected before and 3rd day after treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of IL-1ß. The bacterial reduction showed no differences between groups after chemo-mechanical treatment and after irrigant activation(p = 0.590). Post-treatment IL-1ß levels were lower than pretreatment levels in both groups(p < 0.001). SL or PUI application in addition to chemomechanical preparation has similar effects on total bacterial level and inflammation detected by IL-1ß in patients with AP.

Influence of endodontic access cavity design on mechanical properties of a first mandibular premolar tooth: a finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the influence of access cavity designs on the mechanical properties of a single-rooted mandibular first premolar tooth under various static loads using a finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3-dimensional FEA designs were modeled according to the access cavity designs: an intact tooth (control), traditional access cavity (TEC-I), traditional access cavity with Class-II mesio-occlusal cavity design (TEC-II), conservative access cavity (CEC), ninja access cavity (NEC), caries-driven access cavity (Cd-EC), buccal access cavity (BEC) and bucco-occlusal access cavity (BOEC). After the simulated access cavity preparations, root canal treatment was simulated and three different static loads which mimicked oblique and vertical mastication forces were applied to the models. The stress distribution and maximum Von Misses stress values were recorded. The maximum stress values were obtained on both enamel and dentin under multi-point vertical loads. RESULTS: The maximum stress values were obtained on both enamel and dentin under multi-point vertical loads. Under all load types, the minimum stress distribution was observed in the control group, followed by CEC, NEC and BEC designs. The highest stress concentration was detected in Cd-EC and TEC-II designs. Under single-point vertical loading, the stress was mostly concentrated in the lingual PCD area, while under multi-point vertical loading, the entire root surface was stress-loaded except for the lingual apical third of the root. CONCLUSION: Preserving tooth tissue by simulating CEC, NEC and BEC access cavities increased the load capacity of a single-rooted mandibular first premolar following simulated endodontic treatment.

Assessment of apical extrusion in regenerative endodontics: a comparative study of different irrigation methods using three-dimensional immature tooth models.

To investigate the apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite in immature permanent teeth caused by conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), EDDY, XP-endo Finisher file (XP-F), and a new laser irrigation activation system [shock-wave-enhanced-emission-photo-acoustic-streaming (SWEEPS)]. Three-dimensionally printed forty-nine teeth with immature central incisor morphology were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups, based on the irrigation activation methods and insertion depths (1 mm and 2 mm short of the working length) as follows: CSI-1, CSI-2, EDDY-1, EDDY-2, XP-1, XP-2, and SWEEPS. Prior to the irrigation activation process, samples were placed in metacresol mixed agar gel in Eppendorf tubes. To evaluate NaOCI extrusion into the gel, each sample was digitally photographed, and the area of apical extrusion was analyzed using ImageJ software. To examine potential significant differences between the continuous variables, the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test, were applied (P = .05). The SWEEPS resulted in a greater amount of apical extrusion compared to the CSI method, regardless of the insertion depth (P < 0.001). The SWEEPS resulted in greater apical extrusion scores compared to EDDY-2 (P < 0.001). The EDDY-1 resulted in greater amount of apical extrusion scores compared to EDDY-2 (P < 0.001). This study, the first to show the effect of the novel SWEEPS technology on NaOCI extrusion, found that irrigation activation can cause different levels of apical extrusion depending on the method and distance from the working length. It is crucial to consider the potential occurrence of apical extrusion when applying activation methods to immature teeth.

Investigation of the effectiveness of sonic, ultrasonic and new laser-assisted irrigation activation methods on smear removal and tubular penetration.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of different irrigation activation methods on smear layer removal and tubular penetration. One hundred-five distal roots of mandibular molar teeth in total; 50 for smear removal efficiency (n = 10) analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and 55 roots were used to examine tubular penetration using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Five different irrigation activation methods were used in this study; conventional needle irrigation (CNI), sonic irrigation device of EDDY, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), PIPS and SWEEPS techniques, which are two different laser irrigation activation methods. The obtained data were statistically analyzed and the significance level was determined as p < 0.05. At the apical level, the cleanest canal walls were observed when laser methods PIPS and SWEEPS were used, while in the middle third, there was no difference in smear removal efficiencies between all groups except for the CNI (p > 0.05). Penetration depths and percentages increased from apically to coronally in all groups. The PUI and EDDY generally showed similar penetration depths and percentages to the CNI, except at the coronal root level (p > 0.05). In all groups, when PIPS was used, it showed greater penetration depth and percentage (p < 0.05). PIPS and SWEEPS techniques showed lowest and similar smear scores compared to PUI and EDDY in the apical area where access and effectiveness of the irrigation solution are difficult.

Shaping ability of novel nickel-titanium systems in printed primary molars.

BACKGROUND: Manual or mechanized instruments can be used for root canal preparation. Manual instrumentation using K-files is widely used in primary teeth, but there are many limitations. Mechanized root canal preparation can lead to easy access to all canals, decrease instrumentation time, and result in more funnel-shaped root canals, resulting in a more predictable uniform paste fill. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the shaping ability and instrumentation time of VDW.ROTATE™ and EdgeTaper Platinum™ during the preparation of resin-printed primary molars. Hand K-files were used as a reference for comparison. DESIGN: Sixty-six resin-based maxillary second primary molars, obtained from extracted tooth cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image and printed on a three-dimensional printer, were divided into three groups: VDW.ROTATE™, EdgeTaper Platinum™, and K-files. The specimens were scanned using CBCT imaging before and after root canal preparation. Images were registered using a dedicated software, and changes (Δ) in the canal area, volume, and untouched canal surface were calculated. Instrumentation time was evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS program. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among the tested file systems for Δ canal volume and area (p > .05). VDW.ROTATE™, however, showed significantly lower untouched canal surface area than other systems in all roots (p < .001). The VDW.ROTATE™ was found to be significantly faster (6.47 ± 0.39 min) than EdgeTaper Platinum™ (7.71 ± 0.73 min) and K-files (8.22 ± 0.72 min), (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The shaping ability and the instrumentation time were directly influenced by the root canal instrumentation system used during the preparation of resin-printed primary molars, with VDW.ROTATE™ being the faster system and associated with the lower amount of untouched canal surface area.

Evaluation of shaping ability of different glide path instruments: a micro-computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the shaping ability of different instruments, TruNatomy Glider (TRN-G), WaveOne Gold Glider (WOG-G), and ProGlider (Pro-G) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS: The mesial canals of 27 mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals and moderate curvature were included in this study [n = 27 mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) root canal]. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the glide path was created with TRN-G, WOG-G, and Pro-G glide path instruments (n = 9 MB and ML root canal in each group). Micro-CT scanning was performed before and after preparation. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) transportation and the centering ratio were measured at three levels within the canal (3, 5 and 7 mm). A three-way robust ANOVA was used to compare the parameters. RESULTS: TRN-G showed significantly greater transportation in the MD direction than the other instruments throughout the root canal (overall root canal) (p < 0.05). The best centering ability in the BL direction was shown by the WOG-G, regardless of level within the canal and canal distinction (MB vs. ML) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups according to the level within the canal and canal parameters (p > 0.05). Whether the root canal was MB or ML did not affect centering or transportation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glide path instruments can be used to shape moderately curved canals with minimal apical transportation and better centering ability. All three tested glide path files can used safely before the shaping file.

Assessment of the canal anatomy of the premolar teeth in a selected Turkish population: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Teeth may have additional roots and a different number of root canals. Overlooked root canals may cause endodontic failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of root canals and the number of roots of premolars in a selected Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,570 teeth from 1,438 patients were evaluated. The cone-beam computed tomography scans of 1,055 maxillary and 1,515 mandibular premolars were examined. RESULTS: Type IV root canal morphology was observed most frequently in maxillary first premolars (77%), and the rates of single and double channel formations were very similar (51% and 49%, respectively). Of the second maxillary premolars, 57.4% had Type I morphology, and 89.9% of the teeth were single-rooted, while 68.6% had a single root canal. The most common formation was Type I (85%) among mandibular first premolars, and a single root was observed in 95.6% of these teeth. In addition, 87% of the mandibular first premolars had a single root canal. The second mandibular premolars mostly had Type I (95.4%) formation, and 99.3% of the teeth were single-rooted, while 96.9% had a single root canal. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, 51% of maxillary first premolars had a single root, 79.4% had two root canals, and 77% had Type IV (77%) formation. Maxillary second premolars mostly had Type I formation. In addition, a single root and single root canal formation were most common. Mandibular first premolars generally had a single root and single root canal formation, but 13% had two root canals, and 6.4% had Type V formation. More than 95% of mandibular second premolars had Type I formation.

Postoperative pain after SWEEPS, PIPS, sonic and ultrasonic-assisted irrigation activation techniques: a randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the efficacy of a new laser irrigation activation system [shock wave-enhanced emission photo-acoustic streaming (SWEEPS)] in terms of postoperative pain after primary root canal treatment compared with other techniques, namely photon-induced photo-acoustic streaming (PIPS), sonic system with EDDY, passive ultrasonic system (PUI), and manual dynamic activation (MDA). Two hundred patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular premolar teeth were enrolled and randomly allocated to five different irrigation activation groups (n = 40) after chemo-mechanical root canal preparation. For irrigation activation, the SWEEPS and PIPS tips were attached to the Er-YAG laser system in the respective groups, while the Irrisafe tip was used in the PUI group and the EDDY tip in the sonic group. In the MDA group, irrigation was agitated with the master gutta-percha cone. At postoperative hours 8, 24, and 48 and on day 7, pain intensity was evaluated using the 10-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and analgesic intake was recorded. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the VAS scores, and pain prevalence and analgesic intake were examined with the Pearson's chi-square test at the 5% significance level. The PIPS and SWEEPS groups had the lowest level and prevalence of pain when compared to the remaining groups (P < 0.001). The PUI, sonic and MDA groups did not differ in terms of pain scores at hours 8 and 48 (P > 0.05). On day 7, the highest score and pain prevalence were recorded in the MDA group (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of analgesic intake (P > 0.05). Laser-activated irrigation systems provided lower postoperative pain scores and levels compared to the other activation systems. The MDA group had the highest pain scores and incidence at the end of the seventh day.

Postoperative pain after different irrigation activation techniques: a randomized, clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of irrigation activation techniques on postoperative pain (PP) in mandibular premolar teeth with irreversible pulpitis after single-visit endodontic treatment. A total of 160 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included in this prospective randomized clinical study. Four different activation methods were used in mandibular premolar teeth. In group 1, teeth were irrigated with side-port endodontic needles (NI) without any agitation; in groups 2 and 3, sonic activation was performed using EDDY and EndoActivator (EA), respectively; and in group 4, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) was used. Patients' analgesic intake-as well as pain intensity during and after treatment-were recorded at 8, 24, 48 h and 7 days. The data relating to age, sex and analgesic intake was evaluated using the Chi-square test and the preoperative pain and PP intensity at different time intervals was evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% significance level. Highest PP was recorded at 8 h, pain intensity decreased in all groups by the time. Pain in the NI group was found higher than that of EDDY group at 24 h (P < 0.05). EA and PUI had caused mild pain and had similar pain scores at 24 h. (P > 0.05). No statistically difference was found among the groups with regard to analgesic intake (P > 0.05). Although there were slight differences in PP levels between the groups at 24 h, pain levels decreased in all groups after 24 h. Activation of the irrigation solution did not make any difference in terms of PP after 24 h.

Fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth restored with different fiber post and core systems.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different post and core systems, CAD/CAM crown placement on fracture strength of endodontically treated mandibular premolar teeth. One hundred forty single-rooted premolar teeth were randomly divided into a control group and six experimental groups as follows: control group (Group 1); FiberSite post luting with Clearfil DC Core Plus (Group 2); RelyX Fiber post luting and core build up with Clearfil DC Core Plus (Group 3); RelyX Fiber post luting with Clearfil DC Core Plus and core build up with Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (Group 4); specimens that received CAD/CAM crowns after the same procedures performed in Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively (Groups 5, 6, and 7). Fracture strength tests were performed, and the failure modes were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. The highest fracture resistance was observed in the control group and among the experimental groups in Group 4. Groups 3 and 5 showed similar fracture resistance followed by Group 2. The lowest fracture resistances were seen in the samples of Groups 6 and 7. While the fracture strength of Group 2 increased after the crown placement (Group 5), the fracture strength of Group 3 and Group 4 decreased (P < 0.05). While the specimens in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 predominantly showed favorable failure, unfavorable failure was more frequent in Groups 5, 6, and 7.

Influence of environmental temperature, heat-treatment and design on the cyclic fatigue resistance of three generations of a single-file nickel-titanium rotary instrument.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of environmental temperature, heat-treatment*** and design on the cyclic fatigue resistance of OneShape (OS), OneShape new generation (OSNG) and One Curve (OC) NiTi rotary single-file instruments. Cyclic fatigue testing of NiTi instruments was performed in an artificial canal with a 5-mm radius of curvature and a 60° angle of curvature located 5 mm from the tip of the instrument. During the experiment 3 different temperatures were used in a thermostatic bath with electronic and infrared controls: 0°, 20° and 35 °C. Sixty OneShape, 60 OneShape new generation and 60 One Curve instruments were rotated in the artificial canal until fracture occurred and the number of cycles to fracture (NCF) and the length of the fractured fragment (FL) was recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test at the 5% significance level. Fatigue resistance was significantly higher as the environmental temperature decreased, with differences ranging from 61 to 791%. OC instruments were significantly more resistant to cyclic fatigue than OS and OSNG instruments at all the temperatures tested (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with respect to the length of the fractured file fragments for all the instruments tested at all the temperatures tested (P > 0.05). Within the limitation of the present study, fatigue resistance of the files was significantly increased when the environmental temperature decreased. OC instruments were significantly more resistant to cyclic fatigue than OS and OSNG instruments at all the temperatures tested.

Cyclic fatigue resistances of Hyflex EDM, WaveOne gold, Reciproc blue and 2shape NiTi rotary files in different artificial canals.

The aim of the present study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistances of HyFlex EDM (HEDM), WaveOne Gold (WOG), Reciproc Blue (RB), and 2Shape (TS) NiTi systems having different metallurgic properties. HEDM, WOG, RB, and TS instruments were rotated in artificial canals which were made of stainless steel with an inner diameter of 1.5 mm, 45°, and 90° angles of curvatures and a radius of curvature of 5 mm until fracture occurred, and the time to fracture (TTF) was recorded in seconds. Also, number of cycles to fracture was calculated (NCF). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and t test. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. When comparing the TTF of all the instruments tested in the artificial canal with 45° curvature, RB had statistically the highest cyclic fatigue resistance followed by HEDM and TS (P < 0.05), while the WOG showed the lowest cyclic fatigue resistance (P < 0.05). In artificial canal with 90° curvature, RB showed a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than the other tested files (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among the TS, WOG and HEDM groups (P > 0.05). When the NCF values were taken into consideration, HEDM reported a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than TS in both canal curvatures analyzed (P < 0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, RB NiTi files showed statistically higher cyclic fatigue resistance in artificial canals with 45° and 90° than the other NiTi files tested.

Shaping ability of different NiTi rotary systems during the preparation of printed mandibular molars.

This study aimed to evaluate the shaping ability of XP-endo Shaper, TruNatomy and EdgeFile X3 during the preparation of resin-printed mandibular molar mesial root canals. Thirty-three resin-based mandibular mesial roots with two canals, obtained from extracted tooth cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image and printed on a three-dimensional (3D) printer, were divided into three experimental groups according to the different nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems used for root canal preparation. The specimens were scanned using CBCT imaging before and after root canal preparation. Then images were registered using a dedicated software and changes in the canal area, volume, untouched canal surface and the maximum and minimum dentine wall wear were calculated. The XP-endo Shaper instruments showed improved shaping ability with lower untouched root canal surface and better preservation of root canal anatomy during the preparation of resin-printed mandibular mesial root canals compared with TruNatomy and EdgeFile X3 systems.

Does minimally invasive canal preparation provide higher fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth? A systematic review of in vitro studies.

This systematic review aimed to investigate whether minimally invasive root canal preparation ensures higher fracture resistance compared to conventional root canal preparation in endodontically treated teeth (ETT). A comprehensive search strategy was conducted on the "PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus" databases, alongside reference and hand searches, with language restrictions applied. Two independent reviews selected pertinent laboratory studies that explored the effect of minimally invasive root canal preparation on fracture resistance, in comparison to larger preparation counterparts. The quality of the studies was assessed, and the risk of bias was categorized as low, moderate, or high. The electronic search yielded a total of 1,767 articles. After applying eligibility criteria, 8 studies were included. Given the low methodological quality of these studies and the large variability of fracture resistance values, the impact of reduced apical size and/or taper on the fracture resistance of the ETT can be considered uncertain. This systematic review could not reveal sufficient evidence regarding the effect of minimally invasive preparation on increasing fracture resistance of ETT, primarily due to the inherent limitations of the studies and the moderate risk of bias.

Efficacy of different irrigant activation devices in removing dentin debris from an artificial isthmus connecting curved canals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the debridement efficacy of sonic irrigation (EDDY; VDW, Munich, Germany and EndoActivator; Dentsply-Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ultrasonically activated irrigation (Irrisafe; Satelec Acteon, Merignac, France) in a simulated canal isthmus connecting curved canals. Transparent resin blocks were produced containing two curved canals connected with an isthmus. The isthmus was then filled with dentin debris. Three irrigant activation cycles were performed and the amount of remaining debris was compared analysing pictures taken after each activation cycle. Data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. EDDY showed greater efficiency in removing dentin debris from the simulated isthmus than the other techniques tested. An increase in the activation time enhanced the efficiency of both EDDY and ultrasonically activated irrigation in debris removal.

Influence of access cavity design on calcium hydroxide removal using different cleaning protocols: a confocal laser scanning microscopy study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of endodontic access cavities design on the removal of calcium hydroxide medication of the apical third of mandibular incisor root canal walls and dentinal tubules with different cleaning protocols: EDDY sonic activation, Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation, or conventional irrigation with IrriFlex. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight extracted human mandibular incisors were assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 13) according to the endodontic access cavity and cleaning protocol for calcium hydroxide removal: traditional access cavity (TradAC)/EDDY; ultraconservative access cavity performed in the incisal edge (UltraAC.Inc)/EDDY; TradAC/Er,Cr:YSGG; UltraAC.Inc/Er,Cr:YSGG; TradAC/IrriFlex; or UltraAC.Inc/IrriFlex. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images were used to measure the non-penetration percentage, maximum residual calcium hydroxide penetration depth, and penetration area at 2 and 4 mm from the apex. Data were statistically analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk and WRS2 package for 2-way comparison of non-normally distributed parameters (depth of penetration, area of penetration, and percentage of non-penetration) according to cavity and cleaning protocol with the significance level set at 5%. Results: The effect of cavity and cleaning protocol interactions on penetration depth, penetration area and non-penetration percentage was not found statistically significant at 2 and 4 mm levels (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that TradAC or UltraAC.Inc preparations with different cleaning protocols in extracted mandibular incisors did not influence the remaining calcium hydroxide at 2 and 4 mm from the apex.

Mechanical Properties of the New Generation RACE EVO and R-Motion Nickel-Titanium Instruments.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dynamic cyclic fatigue, torsional and bending resistance of two novel RACE EVO (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland) and R-Motion (FKG) nickel−titanium instruments with traditional RaCe (FKG) instruments. RACE EVO, R-Motion and RaCe instruments with a size of 25 and taper of 0.06 were used. A dynamic cyclic fatigue test was used to assess the time to fracture. The fractured surfaces were further analyzed using scanning electron microscopy at ×350 and ×3000 magnifications. A torsional resistance test was performed to measure the maximum torsional strength and angle of rotation. Phase transformations with temperature were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. The results were statistically analyzed with a Kruskal−Wallis test at a 5% significance level. R-Motion had the highest time to fracture and the lowest torsional and bending resistance, whereas RaCe had the lowest time to fracture and the highest torsional and bending resistance (p < 0.05). In relation to the angle of rotation, RACE EVO instruments had the highest deformation capacity followed by R-Motion and RaCe instruments (p < 0.05). The greater cyclic fatigue resistance and lower torsional and bending resistance results indicate that the novel R-Motion and RACE EVO instruments are less rigid and more flexible than RaCe instruments.

Shaping ability of modern Nickel-Titanium rotary systems on the preparation of printed mandibular molars.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the shaping ability of TruNatomy (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), VDW.ROTATE (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) during the preparation of resin-printed mandibular molar mesial root canals. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three printed resin-based mandibular mesial roots with two canals were obtained from extract tooth cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image. The printed teeth were divided into three groups (n = 11) according to the system used for root canal preparation: TruNatomy, VDW.ROTATE, and ProTaper Gold. The specimens were scanned using CBCT imaging before and after root canal preparation. Then images were registered using a dedicated software and changes in the canal area, volume, untouched canal surface, and the maximum and minimum dentin wall wear were calculated. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk for normality, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis H tests with alpha set at 5%. Results: No differences were observed for changes in the canal area, volume, untouched canal surface area, and minimum dentine wall wear parameters for the whole canal length (P > 0.05). The mean of untouched canal surface area for the TruNatomy, VDW.ROTATE, and ProTaper Gold was 40%, 44%, and 44%, respectively. The maximum dentine wall wear was significantly lower in the ProTaper Gold group than in the TruNatomy and VDW.ROTATE groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: TruNatomy, VDW.ROTATE, and ProTaper Gold systems showed similar shaping ability in printed resin-based mandibular mesial roots without clinically significant errors. A large amount of untouched canal surface area was observed for all systems.

Lithium promotes long-term neurological recovery after spinal cord injury in mice by enhancing neuronal survival, gray and white matter remodeling, and long-distance axonal regeneration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces neurological deficits associated with long-term functional impairments. Since the current treatments remain ineffective, novel therapeutic options are needed. Besides its effect on bipolar mood disorder, lithium was reported to have neuroprotective activity in different neurodegenerative conditions, including SCI. In SCI, the effects of lithium on long-term neurological recovery and neuroplasticity have not been assessed. We herein investigated the effects of intraperitoneally administered lithium chloride (LiCl) on motor coordination recovery, electromyography (EMG) responses, histopathological injury and remodeling, and axonal plasticity in mice exposed to spinal cord transection. At a dose of 0.2, but not 2.0 mmol/kg, LiCl enhanced motor coordination and locomotor activity starting at 28 days post-injury (dpi), as assessed by a set of behavioral tests. Following electrical stimulation proximal to the hemitransection, LiCl at 0.2 mmol/kg decreased the latency and increased the amplitude of EMG responses in the denervated hindlimb at 56 dpi. Functional recovery was associated with reduced gray and white matter atrophy rostral and caudal to the hemitransection, increased neuronal survival and reduced astrogliosis in the dorsal and ventral horns caudal to the hemitransection, and increased regeneration of long-distance axons proximal and distal to the lesion site in mice receiving 0.2 mmol/kg, but not 2 mmol/kg LiCl, as assessed by histochemical and immunohistochemical studies combined with anterograde tract tracing. Our results indicate that LiCl induces long-term neurological recovery and neuroplasticity following SCI.